The first step of autocrats is demonizing the opposition as illegal and non -patriotic. Power presents it as part of a discredited establishment, devoid of contact with “real people”. This point was completely implemented in Slovakia.
The independence of the courts is also largely undermined. The authorities forces the current judges to retire or replace them with their own people.
The third, almost realized point in Slovakia, is undermining media independencecondemnation as biased. Prime Minister Robert Fico, almost copying the plan described by Diamond, mobilizes against independent means of transmission of die -hard supporters of populism. The authority takes over the property of the media through politically loyal enterprises and political supporters associated with the party – just like in Hungary.
Another point related to the media, this time public – take over control and politicize it – he has already been realized in Slovakia.
Step five is the introduction of closer control over the Internet in the name of morality, security or fighting terrorism. The result is to discourage citizens from expressing their own opinion. In Slovakia, in the name of freedom of speech, the authorities abuse the Internet and social media to disseminate false information, lies, discredit campaigns and manipulation
The next point is to subordinate the other elements of civil society – especially non -governmental organizations and universities. In Slovakia, they are portrayed as elite, politically and anti -government bias. All this is done to paralyze civil society and the non -governmental sector.
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Step seven is intimidating the community of entrepreneurs to stop supporting opposition parties. It happens in Slovakia regularly.
Another goal of autocrats: use state control over contracts, financial flows and other resources to enrich the new class of political capitalists who are closely related to the ruling party and reliably support it. In the case of Slovakia, this point can also be considered realized.
“The warning was not enough”
The ninth point is the extension of political control over the state bureaucracy and the security apparatus for the purpose Cleansing the state from anyone who is not slavely loyal. The state intelligence apparatus, as in Slovakia, is used as a weapon against the opposition.
10. The goal is to hinder the opposition to winning elections by manipulating electoral districts and election rules. Attempts are also being made in Slovakia.
Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico (illustrative photos)LINTAO ZHANG / STAFF / GETTY IMAGES
The next step is to take control of the election administration in order to further disturb the electoral process and institutionalization of the competitive authoritarian system. Slovak authorities have such ambitions with high probability.
The last step, 12th is to repeat all previous points in an even more energetic way. This is to deepen fear in society against opposition to power. The authorities want to establish a new form of political hegemony, demonizing all significant forms of resistance.
American sociologist Larry Diamond mentioned the above 12 points on November 21, 2017 in Bratislava during a European conference on democracy. She was entitled “With trust in the future”.
Less than eight years ago, we can see that his words, unfortunately, turned out to be prophetic towards Slovakia. The 2017 warning was not enough.
I’m Ashley Davis as an editor, I’m committed to upholding the highest standards of integrity and accuracy in every piece we publish. My work is driven by curiosity, a passion for truth, and a belief that journalism plays a crucial role in shaping public discourse. I strive to tell stories that not only inform but also inspire action and conversation.
